asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cardholders at 30 September 1981; and the number of cardholders who are (a) social welfare recipients; (b) pensioners other than social welfare pensioners; and (c) employed persons.
Written Answers. - Medical Cardholders.
576.
The number of medical card holders on 30 September 1981 was 704,962.
The breakdown of this number in the form requested is not readily available. However, based on a survey of medical cardholders which was carried out in 1977, it has been estimated that approximately 400,000 medical cardholders are social welfare recipients or unemployed — some of whom may not be in receipt of social welfare payment — and a further 100,000 are employed persons. Information is not available which would make it possible to estimate the number of medical cardholders who are pensioners other than social welfare pensioners.